As winter begins to fade into spring, the NFL has given way to NCAA March Madness and Major League Baseball spring training. I am again reminded that the only guarantees in life are taxes, death and constant change.

Things around both the Pugh household and Athletes in Action seem to constantly be in the state of change. Consider the towering oak continually being buffeted and subsequently strengthened by springtime thunderstorms or the vegetative landscape that is renewed and re-vitalized each spring. Change is constant and ever-present. The reality of change is often rebuffed with many being unwilling to embrace it. Change at times is difficult to accept; it usually seems easier to cling to the familiar rather than embrace the uncertainty of change.

Mark Eppler makes his point in "The Leadership Factor," when he says, "If honest, most of us will admit to being less than excited about uncertainty and ambiguity. We like to have control over the events of our lives. We want to know what's going to happen next and when."

The Bible offers a point of insight when the writer of Psalm 102 says, ".Thou didst found the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thy hands. Even they will perish, but Thou dost endure.Like clothing Thou wilt change them, and they will be changed. But Thou art the same, and Thy years will not come to an end."

God as Creator never changes, but we as creation are placed in the daily crucible of change. Each of us who wears the title Christian or "Christ-follower" is presently an infinite distance removed from becoming like the One we seek to emulate. Reality tells us that in order for us to move along the progression of becoming like Jesus, change must occur and be a very real and ongoing part of our lives.

Recently at the NBA All-Star Breakfast in Las Vegas, TNT announcer and emcee Ernie Johnson, told an audience of millions (both live and via different media outlets) of his battle with cancer. Ernie's resolute response was, "Trust God, period." He expressed that if you are experiencing the American dream, praise God. If you are encountering attacks straight from the pit of hell, praise God. Even (especially) when life's circumstances are extremely hard you must "Trust God, period."

He spoke of both the "valleys" (hardships) of life as well as the "mountain top" (memorable) experiences. A reality often unnoticed is that spiritual development and growth is often found in the valleys, not on the mountaintops. When you look at the mountains, their tops yield only rock, ash, and other desolate terrain. It is in the valleys that real plants, trees and vegetation take root, thrive and grow. Character cultivation is also derived from the hardships of life and unexpected change. It is not until you forge ahead through the valleys of life and reach the mountain top plateau that you truly see and begin to appreciate the growth that occurred in the valley.

Consider the Creator of the universe embracing change as Isaiah 29:16 conveys, "Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay?" Or what is formed say to him who formed it say, "He has no understanding?" It is humbling when I question the Lord about my personal problems (as if they transcend God's deity and omniscience), then observe a glorious sunset or view eagles soaring overhead.

The Maker of my very being understands my circumstances, loves me, and cares to bring me through them and ultimately make me more like Him in the process. He is neither deaf to my calling nor oblivious to my situation. Rather, he is cultivating Christ-like character in me and developing me further to reflect His glory. God is constantly refining me, revealing my deficiencies to reveal his sufficiency.

I don't know if you are in the midst of change but I know that you aren't too far from God's compassion and grace. He is working in and through you, a constant work that is for your benefit. Romans explains, "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (8:28).(knowing) suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope" (5:4).

His plan and purpose for your life is intended to bring healing, strength and hope that does not disappoint. When you find yourself being pinched and shaped by the hands of the Potter, trust that He is good and that He is carefully shaping and molding you into His likeness. God brings sanity to life's madness, clarity to the unclear, and peace where turmoil exists.

When you find yourself in the crucible of change, don't run. Instead, demonstrate the courage to embrace it. God's ultimate goal for your life is not comfort or even accomplishment, but rather Christ-like character development. Character cultivation often comes as an intentional product of adversity and change. None of us can choose life's circumstances, but you can choose the way in which you respond.

Bruce Barton said, "Keep changing. When you are through changing, you're through." James Dobson wisely adds regarding the subject of change, "If you're going through difficult times today, hold steady. It will change soon. If you are experiencing smooth sailing and easy times now, brace yourself. It will change soon. The only thing you can be certain of is change."

Continue to walk by faith and trust God for those things, that when they happen, can only be attributed to HIM! 

Bill